Soccer playoffs: Johnson, East Hall boys each claim championship game berths

The East Hall boys made history, while the Johnson boys earned another shot at history on Tuesday, as each team won their state respective state semifinal battles to march on to the championship round in Macon.

Meanwhile, the title chase ended for both Buford squads, as the Lady Wolves took an early lead before falling to nemesis St. Pius 3-1 and the boys battled throughout but fell 2-1 at Johnson. (See video highlights posted to the left)

The rematch between the Region 8-AAAA rival Knights and Wolves proved both taut and exciting, and a large contingent of both blue- and gree-clad fans only added to the atmosphere. Johnson took a 2-0 lead midway through the second half, only to watch Buford pull a goal back and set up some nerve-wracking final minutes before the Knights sealed the win.

Johnson will now play in its second state championship game in three seasons when it takes on St. Pius at 2:30 p.m. Saturday in Macon at Mercer's Five Star Stadium. The Golden Lions are defending champions, while the Knights are looking for their first ever crown after falling to Dalton in their first title game appearance in 2014.

Two days before Johnson treks south, however, East Hall will take its first ever title shot after blowing past Savannah Arts Academy 5-1 in the Class AAA semifinals in Rabbittown.

The Vikings jumped out to a 2-0 lead and then responded to an early second half goal from the Panthers to pull away. Striker Leo Toledo provided his usual damage, scoring four of the goals to move him to 78 on the season.

East Hall will battle Decatur in the AAA title tilt at 2:30 p.m. Thursday.

As always, we will be there to provide coverage of every goal, celebration and title won. Keep track with us on Twitter: @AccessNGASports. And check the sports page of AccessWDUN after each match for stories, pictures and video highlights from each match.

SEMIFINAL STATE SOCCER PLAYOFF SCORES
Tuesday, May 10
CLASS AAAA
St. Pius girls 3, Buford 1
Johnson boys 2, Buford 1

CLASS AAA
East Hall 5, Savannah Arts Academy 1

STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE
(All games played at Five Star Stadium, Mercer University, Macon)
Thursday, May 12
CLASS AAA
-- 2:30 p.m. East Hall boys vs. Decatur

Saturday, May 14
CLASS AAAA
-- 2:30 p.m. Johnson boys vs. St. Pius

East Hall High students and boys soccer fans celebrate after their team won in the Class AAA semifinals on Tuesday in Rabbittown.

Johnson's Fabian Abarca (7) reacts after scoring his first goal in the Knights' 2-1 win over Buford in the Class AAAA semifinals on Tuesday in Oakwood.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2016/5/398177/soccer-playoffs-semifinal-results